October Weather Event

Media Release

3 October 2024

Plan your travel tomorrow as surface flooding and river levels impact roads and farmland

Further surface flooding across Southland is expected tomorrow with the MetService issuing a Heavy Rainfall Watch across our already saturated catchments.

Ground conditions across Murihiku Southland are extremely wet after the region saw its wettest September since rainfall records began in the 1970s.

Environment Southland general manager Lucy Hicks said ongoing spring weather has contributed to weeks of high river levels and saturated catchments.

“We are urging our communities to take care, especially when travelling as heavy rain and surface flooding will be affecting roads in our region and across the border in Otago over the next few days.”

“Farmers should continue to keep an eye on their local river levels and if concerned, move stock away from low-lying areas.”

“Farmers have been doing it tough. We’re among the organisations farmers can reach out to, please contact us if you need support or advice. Call 0800 76 88 45 to talk to one of our team.”

The Southland Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Southern are also welcoming enquiries from farmers, and you can call or text 1737 anytime for support from a trained counsellor.

Road closures are to be expected as flood waters rise and fall in different areas. People are encouraged to avoid travel, but if they need to, they should take extreme caution and check for road closures before leaving.

For the latest on further road closures and conditions see the Gore District Council road closures, the Southland District Council website and Waka Kotahi for state highways.

Keep up to date on rainfall and river flows by using our online tools https://envdata.es.govt.nz/ and find our latest High River Watch information here https://www.es.govt.nz/environment/flood-warning

ENDS

For more information, please contact Environment Southland communications team on 0800 76 88 45